Gainesville's galleries offer plenty of art

Thursday

Aug 28, 2008 at 9:55 AM

If you are one of the thousands of new arrivals who just got to town and desperately need something to do until your high-speed Internet gets turned on then here is a list of options that won't cost you a cent and just might impress a professor if you meet one along the way.

By David HackettSpecial to the Sun

It's that time again to talk about the Who, What and Where of art in Hoggetowne.

It's that time because if you are a decrepit relic like me, who only gets home because the car is well-trained, then a refresher of all your options will be like hearing it for the first time.

If you are one of the thousands of new arrivals who just got to town and desperately need something to do until your high-speed Internet gets turned on, and you can get back to slaying Murlocs in Warcraft, then here is a list of options that won't cost you a cent and just might impress a professor if you meet one along the way.

The big generator for art in the area is the University of Florida, of course. The school has multiple galleries and museums all across town.

The Harn Museum of Art is the main bastion of artistic appreciation. If you have not been there, go. It is a seriously fine museum with a regular rotation of exhibits. You will find everything from French impressionism by Monet, to conceptual video installations from current African artists.

Thursday night the museum stays open until 8 p.m. and special events are often scheduled. Admission is free.

Right next door, the Florida Museum of Natural History also hosts art exhibitions from local painters and photographers. This is another freebie.

Off 13th street, behind the water sculpture, is a little plaza that contains both the University and Focus Galleries. The University Gallery should be your compass point if you like heading toward the edge. Curator Amy Vigilante is always working the fringe with weird, edgy and wonderful shows.

Opening on Sept. 2, is the "44th Annual School of Art and Art History Studio Art Faculty Exhibition." Take note art students, this is where your teachers showcase what they are into. Sounds like a PC move to see the show.

The public reception is Sept. 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. As usual, it is free and often has a fair amount of free food. The show will be up through the 26th.

Other locations under the UF wings include the WARPhaus off University Avenue (behind Taco Bell), the Grinter Gallery and "the gallery," which is upstairs in the Reitz Union. This is a good place to kick back during the day; their new show, "Natural Curiosity," is having its public reception tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. Free and feted. Artists may have to starve but the public does not.

There is art beyond the borders of UF. The Thomas Center, in the Historic Duckpond neighborhood, has two galleries tucked away inside its historic walls. Opening on Saturday is "Liquid Muse: Paintings for the Saint John's Region." This show includes works from 35 Florida artists and is focused on the environmental beauty of the region. It also has ties to Santa Fe College, which is hosting a sustainability conference on Oct. 3 in conjunction with the show.

While "Liquid Muse" holds court in the Main Gallery through Oct. 19, Artists of the City II, a show based on the works of 15 Gainesville city employees, will be running upstairs in the Mezzanine Gallery through Sept. 21, with a public reception on Sept. 3, from 11 to 1:30 p.m. Yes, there is such a thing as a free lunch, and you get to feed your soul at the same time.

On the last Friday of each month, from 7 to 10 p.m., ArtWalk is happening downtown. Local studios keep the lights burning, spread some munchies and invite the world to see what they are up to.

Just start around South Main Street and 2nd Avenue and you will see the lights. Maps to the local galleries are available. This Friday the Satellite building is hosting a mixed media from several area artists.

And there is so much more: Santa Fe College has two galleries, though one is more a lobby; Melrose has two very good galleries and there is art hanging everywhere you glance. Even the airport gets some good stuff.

So for all you old-timers, take a fresh look around. To all you transplants, keep your eyes open and welcome to town.